150 gr. Hornady in 7.62x54R

[Rocky Raab]

That's an exceptionally good bullet choice - if the diameter is right. Most former Commie guns have .310" bores, instead of the more common .308". If your rifle already shoots regualr .308" bullets fine, the Hornady RN should be great. But if you haven't handloaded for this rifle yet, it would be best to slug the bore first.

Thoroughly clean and then lightly oil the bore. Now take a lead "egg" sinker or lead roundball for muzzleloading that's just slightly larger than the bore. Oil it lightly, place it on the muzzle and tap it in gently with a block of hardwood and hammer. Once in the bore, push it through with a wooden dowel that just fits the bore. (Don't use a metal rod or a dowel that's too small, or you could damage the bore.)

When the slug drops out, catch it carefully. I use a pad of folded towels on the floor. Carefully measure the diameter from ridge to ridge - which mirrors the groove-to-groove diameter of the bore. If in doubt, repeat with anew slug.